L-Shaped Home in California Offers Dramatic Views Inside and Out

This massive L-shaped home gently sloping down the hill is known as the Vidalakis Residence. Designed by Swatt Miers Architects, the eye-catching contemporary home is in Portola Valley, Calif. The California sun is filtered inside via a systematic arrangement of windows. Beyond their glazing is a spectacular world of spacious living areas and inspiring private spaces.

This is how the architects describe the elongated home, rising from a sloped terrain, and its manicured surroundings: “Located on a beautiful 3.7-acre semi-rural parcel in Portola Valley, this new 7,000-square-foot home is organized into an ‘L’ shaped plan, with primary circulation set on the east-west axis. The circulation spine gently ascends on the south side of the building, and forms one edge of private landscaped courtyard.

“Most of the major public and private spaces face north, and enjoy dramatic short and long views, with San Francisco visible in the distance. A 75-foot linear swimming pool is set perpendicular to the house with three infinity edges, rising to 7 feet above grade at the north end, emphasizing dramatic views and the gentle slope of the land.”

A stunning design was employed for the light-flooded double-height living room. Under a soaring ceiling, the room’s vertical lines complement the furniture in the space. As light travels during the day, shadows shape an ever-changing atmosphere that mirrors the outdoors. Every detail is exquisite, from the functional and detailed custom interior design to the mesmerizing landscaping.

Photographs by Russell Abraham show the L-shaped home from several vantage points, showcasing its details under natural daylight and also illuminating the surroundings with artificial light at night.

If you want to dive deeper into the architects’ portfolio, check out their modern family home in California that functions as a working vineyard, and then take a look at the details found in their nature-embedded retreats in Silicon Valley, the Tea Houses.